- Chinese Food
- Chinese Restaurant
- California
- San Diego County
- La Mesa
- Chinese Restaurant in Grossmont Center Drive
- Tasty Inn Express
Tasty Inn Express Photos










Hours
Monday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMTuesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About Tasty Inn Express
Welcome to Tasty Inn Express, a Chinese Restaurant nestled within the Grossmont Center at 5500 Grossmont Center Dr #301 in La Mesa, California. Often described by patrons as a "hidden gem," Tasty Inn Express offers a delightful surprise with its commitment to fresh ingredients and surprisingly flavorful Chinese cuisine. You can reach us at (619) 467-7057 or our mobile number +1 619-467-7057 to learn more about our menu and offerings.
Located within the Grossmont Center, Tasty Inn Express might not be immediately apparent due to its placement, which one reviewer described as being "hidden behind so much decoration, high partitions, and poorly lit." This unique location within the mall, which another customer noted has a quieter atmosphere and evokes a nostalgic "Save by the Bell" vibe, contributes to the sense of discovering a well-kept secret. For fans of the television show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," the reviewer also made an intriguing connection to the mall's ambiance, suggesting a potentially familiar or nostalgic setting.
Despite its somewhat inconspicuous location, Tasty Inn Express has garnered praise for the quality of its food. One enthusiastic customer proclaimed it to be the "best Chinese food I've had in years," highlighting the unexpected excellence found within this mall eatery. This sentiment suggests that Tasty Inn Express offers a significant step up in quality compared to typical mall food court fare.
A recurring theme in the customer feedback is the pleasant surprise regarding the food's quality. Despite initial impressions based on the location's description, reviewers have consistently been impressed by the freshness of the ingredients and the overall flavor of the dishes. One reviewer explicitly stated, "The quality of the food is the surprise. All fresh ingredients, quality made and surprisingly flavorful." This emphasis on freshness and flavor distinguishes Tasty Inn Express as a place where care and attention are put into the preparation of their Chinese cuisine.
In terms of pricing, Tasty Inn Express is noted for its affordability. One customer specifically compared its cost favorably to a two-item combo from a well-known fast-food Chinese chain, suggesting that you can enjoy a satisfying and higher-quality meal at a competitive price point. This makes Tasty Inn Express an attractive option for shoppers and locals looking for value without sacrificing taste.
While the general menu is not detailed in the provided reviews, one dish that received a specific recommendation is the honey walnut shrimp. This suggests that Tasty Inn Express has signature dishes that are particularly well-received and worth trying. The positive mention of this dish indicates a potential strength in their seafood offerings and a willingness to prepare more elaborate and popular Chinese-American dishes with quality.
The service at Tasty Inn Express is implicitly positive, as customers have focused on the pleasant surprise of the food quality and value. The fact that a reviewer stated the food was "good enough for me to stop by next time I am here" indicates a satisfactory overall experience, encompassing both the food and the service provided. While specific details about the service style are not available, the positive return intention suggests efficiency and a pleasant interaction.
Regarding the environment beyond its mall location and the "Save by the Bell" vibe mentioned by one reviewer, further details are not provided. However, the initial impression of being "hidden behind so much decoration, high partitions, and poorly lit" suggests a potentially unique or less conventional setting for a restaurant. This might contribute to the "hidden gem" aspect and the surprise element when the quality of the food exceeds expectations.
Currently, there is no specific promotional information available in the provided reviews. To learn about any special offers, discounts, or new menu items at Tasty Inn Express, it is recommended to contact them directly at (619) 467-7057 or +1 619-467-7057. You may also inquire about any lunch specials or combo deals that might be available.
In conclusion, Tasty Inn Express offers a surprising and delightful Chinese culinary experience within the Grossmont Center in La Mesa. Despite its somewhat hidden location and initial impressions of the surroundings, customers have consistently praised the fresh ingredients, flavorful food, and affordable prices. The recommendation of the honey walnut shrimp highlights a standout dish. If you're in the Grossmont Center area and looking for a Chinese restaurant that exceeds expectations, venture to find Tasty Inn Express – it might just become your new favorite hidden gem. Contact them today to discover the delicious surprises that await!
Tasty Inn Express Location
5500 Grossmont Center Dr #301, La Mesa, CA 91942, USA
Customer Reviews
Sandiego hidden gem. Best chinese food ive had in years quite some time. Mall is quiet and gives save by the bell vibes. Check it out if you watch Buffy.
What a suprise. The location is hidden behind so much decoration, high partitions, and poorly lit I was expecting it to be really bad. The cost is pretty good compared to a 2 item combo from panda express. The quality of the food is the suprise. All fresh ingredients, quality made and surprisingly flavorful. I recommend the honey walnut shrimp. Good enough for me to stop by next time I am here.
Wow!! Simple fresh ingredients made deliciously at affordable prices. It's family owned and has great service. I will update with pictures as we been here two times already (new to the area) and have devoured our food before I realized to take pictures. Vegan options are just as good, maybe better. 😉
It is located inside of the food court in Grossmont Center. Underrated for mall food court Chinese. Reasonably priced and many options to choose from. Lady working the front is very kind. Definitely better than Panda Express or similar types of Chinese fast food. Give it a try. 3.6/5 stars ⭐️
First time trying this hidden gem inside of Grossmont Center. For the vegans/ vegetarians out there they have an entire veggie menu that is delicious. Lady working the register recommended the eggplant veggie chicken dish and it was super yummy! 10/10 we will be coming back.
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